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Inscription

FrontColumbus College began in 1909 in Chamberlain. S. Dak., and operated there for 12 years. With the inspiration of Bishop Thomas O'Gorman, the all-male prep school, high school, and college were moved to Sioux Falls and reopened in September 1921.

Sixty acres were purchased at this location, and a dormitory, classrooms, and other buildings were constructed in the Collegiate Gothic architectural style. It was said the college was intended to become the "Notre Dame of the Midwest."

The curriculum includedBack

liberal arts, five foreign languages, commercial courses, and four pre professional majors. Many graduates went on to Catholic seminaries. Athletic teams, nicknamed the "Mariners." ruled the South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference. In 1926 its teams were league champions in all three major sports: football, basketball and track.

Columbus College, an early victim of the Great Depression, closed in 1929. The original buildings remain as part of the 1949 Royal C. Johnson Veterans Memorial Hospital.